How we retouch
A good headshot is retouched so lightly that nobody notices. We remove things that come and go, such as a blemish, a stray hair or shine from the lights, and we even out color so skin looks healthy and true. Lines, freckles, scars, texture and the shape of a face stay. If someone asks for more, we do more, but we start from respect for the person in the photo.
Three levels
Pick the level that fits the use. Light suits most professional headshots. Medium suits portraits shot under harder light. Full adds background and wardrobe work. The guide at the top of this page shows what changes at each level.
What we don't do
We don't slim bodies, change face shapes, whiten teeth beyond natural or alter skin color. We don't retouch photos of people who haven't agreed to be photographed, and we don't edit photos of minors without a parent or guardian's request.
Services
Headshot retouching
For professional profiles, websites, speaker pages and press.
Team headshots
One look across a team shot on different days and in different rooms.
Portrait retouching
Personal, family and editorial portraits, kept natural.
Backgrounds and color
Backdrop cleanup, plain or office backgrounds and color correction.
Where we work
All retouching happens online, so location only sets the time zone for calls. We focus on photographers and teams in San Diego, Portland and Austin.
San Diego, CA
Headshot and portrait retouching for San Diego photographers and teams.
Portland, OR
Headshot and portrait retouching for Portland photographers and teams.
Austin, TX
Headshot and portrait retouching for Austin photographers and teams.
What finished studio setups look like
Common questions
How much does retouching cost?
It depends on the number of portraits, the level and the turnaround. We quote each set in writing after a short test.
Will people look different after retouching?
No. The aim is that the person looks like they do on a good day, in good light.
Can the person in the photo ask for less retouching?
Yes. We follow the subject's wishes on their own face, and we're happy to dial a set down.
Are the images on this site client work?
No. They are AI-generated samples of studio setups and a guide drawn for this site, labeled that way. We don't publish client portraits.
Have a set of headshots to finish? Send two or three and tell us the level you want. We edit a test, then the set.
Request a quote